FRANEKER
Franeker (Frjentsjer in the Fries language) is indisputably conntected with the Eleven Cities Tour (Elf Stedentocht) 200 km/120 miles. This endurance skating event is held at irregular intervals depending on weather conditions. This famous skating tour is not going only through the city, but now (because of climate change) it is also held in summer and thousands of participants on e.g. bicycles, motor bikes, canoes and hikers are holding their "Elf Stedentocht".
The city is also world famous because of the Royal Eise Eisinga Plenatarium. The model of our planetary system was made bij Eise Eisinga 200 years ago.
The centre of Franeker has still a lot of historical places, such as the Town Hall, the "Korendragershuisje" and the church Martini (ca 1421). Also the "Stinzen" from the old Frisian nobility (with among others "Martenahuis"1498, Cammingahuis the 14th century ) and the old barracks, the impressive proffesors' houses and the academy buildings, the pub "Bogt Fen Gune (the oldest student pub from Friesland), the museum Martena and lots more is worth while to pay a visit.
"Kaatsen" is a Frisian (hand) ballsport. Once a year, the 5th Wednesday after Juni the 30th the most famous championship in "Kaatsen" is held in Franeker. It is called, the " PC". For that reason it is a holiday in Franeker. The winner receives the "King's ball". The "Kaats" couples are playing on the famous "Heilige gras van It Sjûkelân" (the holy lawn). Since 1852 Franeker is the home of the PC and to win the PC is the highest reach for the player. In the 14th century "Cammingahuis" (Stins from the 14th century), nowadays the museum of Kaatsen, will tell you everything concerning this sport.
The municipality of Franeker (city of Franeker and 16 old hill-villages) are limited by the Waddensea. Through the municipality meander from the Waddendijk to the centre of Friesland the "Slachtedyk". This medievil dike is once in 4 years the venue of a marathon and trekking tour with thousands of participants.
Franeker has a great choice of restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal after a wonderful day out.
There is a sports hall, swimmingpool, marina, library and the theatre De Koornbeurs, several museums and monumental buildings.
Your host Tjeerd Rinsma is born in Franeker and can tell you anything you like to know about his city and surroundings. Feel free to ask him for all possibilities.
